It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Marie MacLeod, who died on April 2, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born December 26, 1940, Joan grew up in Georges River, Cape Breton. Daughter to the late Genevieve (Jessome) MacLeod and Alexander MacLeod. The second of nine children, Joan was a steady and caring presence, often acting as a mother figure to her younger siblings. Raised on the family farm, she developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work, nature, and gardening—interests that remained with her throughout her life.

She pursued her nursing training at Toronto General Hospital before continuing her education at Marymount Manhattan College in New York. Joan went on to build a remarkable career at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Centre, where she worked for 40 years. In the later years of her career, she continued her calling as a private duty nurse, providing compassionate, one-on-one care to patients in their homes.

Joan lived a full and active life. She enjoyed skiing, travelling, and was an avid gardener. She had a particular fondness for the New York Botanical Gardens, a place that reflected both her love of nature and her connection to New York, where she spent much of her life. She loved Turtles—the chocolates, not the reptiles.

Her devotion to family was evident when she returned home to Cape Breton to care for her mother, a role she undertook with quiet strength and deep commitment. Though she had no children of her own, Joan was a beloved aunt to her nine nieces and nephews, taking great joy in their lives. She was especially known for her generous and frequent gift-giving—packages that would regularly arrive in the mail, a small but constant reminder of her love and thoughtfulness.

Joan will be remembered for her dedication to her profession, her independence, and her enduring love for her family.

She is survived by her siblings: Anne MacLeod, Alexander (Sandy) MacLeod, Donald (Bud) MacLeod, Elizabeth (Betty) Johnston, Mary Dorrington, and Wallace (Punch) MacLeod, as well as her nine nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Kathryn and Janet.

Special thanks to her doctors and nurses at the Northside General Hospital for their excellent care over the last year.

A private family burial will take place at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Online condolences can be left for the family on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.wjdooley.com.